How to find a cheap car hire deal in San Francisco
Searching for a cheap rental car in San Francisco? You're exactly where you need to be. With prices averaging R 2,866 a day, we compare all the best offers so you can choose fast, spend less, and hit the road happy.
August is the cheapest month to rent a car in San Francisco. With average daily rates of R 502, you're riding easy with savings like these.
If you like to plan with precision, book around one week ahead to drive away with a cheap rental car in San Francisco.
Thrifty, Dollar and Hertz are some popular providers offering car hire deals in San Francisco.
Whether you go with Thrifty or another supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your San Francisco car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others sell it as a separate extra.
Booking one-way could save you cash on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved around. Just choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for rent in San Francisco.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in San Francisco with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No surprise refueling fees tacked on at the end either.
Hit the road without watching the miles and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you go the distance.
Flying into San Francisco? Think about booking one of the car rentals in San Francisco International Airport. That way, you can hit the road not long after you land.
Compare car hire types in San Francisco
Small: Whether you're cruising narrow city streets or simply planning a quick trip, a cheap rental car in San Francisco from this category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect excellent fuel efficiency and easy handling.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, space and comfort. Easy to manoeuvre around cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they're a great all-rounder.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and enhanced tech features, this San Francisco car hire option includes full-size cars. With roomier back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV answers. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for country roads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in San Francisco effortlessly handles larger loads and group travel. They're tough, dependable, and built to take on any task.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but is something to think about. If your vehicle is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a big excess fee. Different San Francisco car hire providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the terms before booking.
Upgrade your ride with handy extras like a navigation system or mobile Wi-Fi. They can make your journey easier and more relaxed when you rent a car in San Francisco.
Good to know
To rent a vehicle in the United States, you generally have to be at least 21 years old. Some providers may rent vehicles to younger drivers for a higher rate, so always check the terms before locking in your reservation.
If you've got the kids in tow, check if you should add a car seat to your San Francisco car hire booking. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to ride.
Hit the road: Where to drive from San Francisco
Make time for the top attractions in the city once you've lined up a car hire deal in San Francisco. Golden Gate Bridge and Painted Ladies - Alamo Square are classics for any first-time visitor.
When check-in time comes around, BEI San Francisco, Trademark Collection by Wyndham and Hotel G San Francisco offer a welcome break in San Francisco.
Shift gears and make tracks to San Jose. Around 64 kilometres south-east of central San Francisco, it's home to must-do sights like Japantown (San Jose) and Winchester Mystery House.
You'll be looked after like a regular at Uptown Oasis San Jose Airport and Alura Inn, two comfortable accommodation options in San Jose.
Or collect your cheap car hire in San Francisco and then take off to Fremont. About 48 kilometres south-east of San Francisco, Flight 93 Memorial and Mission Peak Trail Head are big attractions that make the drive more than worth it.
Fremont has some comfortable places where you can park your suitcase, including DoubleTree by Hilton Newark-Fremont and Best Western Plus Garden Court Inn.
Ready to go the extra mile? Stockton is another fun destination that's around 105 kilometres east of San Francisco. Make a few pit stops at Historic Stockton Chinatown and Stockton Art League Goodwin Gallery.
The only thing left on your to-do list now is sleep. University Plaza Waterfront Hotel and Red Roof Inn Stockton are waiting for you in Stockton.
